Rectangular conductor harness means and attachments



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RECTANGULAR CONDUCTOR HARNESS MEANS AND ATTACHMENTS INVENTORS Donald G.Boer Allan S.Van Slyke Robert C. Wooffer BY n. H

Their v y 4, 1967 D. G. BAER ETAL 3,329,785

RECTANGULAR CONDUCTOR HARNESS MEANS AND ATTACHMENTS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3Filed Oct. 9 1963 INVENTORS Donald G. Baer Allan S.Van Slyke Robert C.Wooffer Their Attorney y 4, 1967 I D. G. BAER ETAL 3,329,785

RECTANGULAR CONDUCTOR HARNESS MEANS AND ATTACHMENTS Filed Oct. 9, 1963 4Sheets-Sheet 4 I INVENTORS Donald 6. Beer Allan S. Van Slyke Roberf C.Wooffer Their Aflorney United States Patent f poration of Delaware FiledOct. 9, 1963, Ser. No. 315,081 1 Claim. (Cl. 200-68) This inventionrelates to wiring and electrical connections and, more particularly, toa rectangular conductor harness means and attachments for vehicle use.This is a continuation-in-part of our copending U.S. patent applicationS.N. 141,483, filed Sept. 28, 1961, now Patent 3,226,668, Baer et al.,issued Dec. 28, 1965.

An object of this invention is to provide window lift switch meansusable with fiat rectangular wire as well as round stranded wire harnessmeans and having reduced depth structurally with fewer though readilyserviceable parts including spring means free of carrying electricalcurrent yet providing contacts subject to snap action to avoidintermediate positioning and arcing.

Another object of this invention is to provide window lift switch meanscombined with flat rectangular wire harness means to which switchcontact portions are welded directly for improved electrical junctureand cost reduction due to elimination of terminals and connectors to theswitch means having a flat harness receiving body portion of insulatingmaterial in which a button means is pivotally disposed and including asubstantially U-shaped bridging contact portion carried thereby forwiping and sliding movement as to contact portions completelyindependent of biasing spring means engaging the button means centrallypivoted as to the body portion having opposite outward abutmentsengageable by hooked arms of a trim pad hole liner to which a springmetal retaining clip means is anchored having inward projections thatselectively hold a bezel means with serrated mounting lugs complementaryat least in part to the projections of the clip means.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings wherein preferred embodiments of the present invention areclearly shown.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a single-button window lift switching devicein accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a partially sectioned view taken along line 22 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a partially sectioned view taken along line 3-3 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective view of a switch body assembly forthe device of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is an-exploded perspective view of a button assembly for thedevice of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective View of a completed assembly of thedevice of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a side view to show completed assembly of all parts orcomponents of FIGURE 6.

Motor vehicle manufacturers have produced bodies equipped with wiringmeans utilizing rounded conductors which can be grouped as a harnessprovided with a tapelike covering and the like. Such rounded conductorsas grouped into a harness can effect transfer of electric power tovarious electrical devices and switching means to which the wiringharness and conductor means can be routed generally in concealedpositions between inner and outer panels of doors as well as betweensupports such as doorjambs and vehicle upholstery and metal body panelsin- 32,329,785 Patented July 4, 1967 cluding fenders and the like. Thereis a continuing trend in body construction in modification of vehiclebodies to increase strength thereof while reducing thickness or spacingbetween components. Future vehicles will also be provided with thinnerdoor means that provide less space between inner and outer panels thusrequiring new types of switch means and accessory devices due to limitedspace from a point of view of thickness between such mounting panels. Insome instances a transition will be made by provision of both rounded aswell as flattened insulated conductors and wiring means between whichelectrical interconnection must be established so that flattenedconductor means or substantially rectangular-shaped insulated wiringharness means can be used where space accommodations are narrower andcannot permit placement and fitting of round conductors in groupedrelation as tape-covered harness means previously used.

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a single-button windowlift switching devicegenerally indicated by numeral 330 and having features further inaccordance with the present invention. The switching device 330 is alsoillustrated in cross sectional views of FIGURES 2 and 3 as well as inexploded perspective views of FIGURES 4, 5 and 6. A switching device 330includes a box-like main body portion 331 having an integral andlaterally-projecting extension 332 for use with a flat-rectangular wireharness means. This extension 332 can be seen in views of FIG- URES 1,2, 4 and 6. However, it is to be understood that features of theswitching device 330 could also be used with round stranded wire harnessmeans subject to a modification of contact means and strip portions usedtherewith. In any event, the main body portion 331 has the integralextension 332 and a rectangular shaped ending 333 thereof to besubstantially complementary to a flat rectangular wire harness meanssuch as noted earlier. A rear or bottom cover portion 334 shown in theperspective and exploded view of FIGURE 4 is adapted to fit along anunderside of the main body portion 331 as well as the extension 332 andending 333 so as to hold a flat wiring harness means in a sandwichedrelation therebetween.

The main body portion 331 includes opposite pairs of substantiallysymmetrical wall means 335 and 336 respectively. Each of the wall means336 includes a ramp or outwardly flared shoulder means 337 engageable byan abutment 338 on a pair of opposite J-shaped arms 339 integral with atrim pad hole liner portion 340 illustrated in views of FIGURES 6 and 7.The arms 339 are integral with the liner 340 adjacent to only one endthereof and slots 341 provide separation of the longitudinal edges ofthe arms from the liner 340 which can have serrated corners 342 foranchoring thereof as to a vehicle trim pad or upholstery panel having asuitable insulating backing. These serrated corners 342 can be seen inthe exploded view of FIGURE 6 wherein there is also shown a metalretaining clip 343 having notched tabs or locking lugs 344 cooperablewith the serrated corners 342. These notched tabs project inwardlytoward each other though extending angularly to one side of therectangular metal form of the retaining clip means 343. An opposite pairof spring members 345 having curled or rolled ends 346 adjacent to afree end thereof can be provided integrally with the retaining clipmeans 343 such that this clip means can be positioned on one side of thetrim pad 347 indicated in FIG. 7 and a bezel or cover portion 348 shownin views of FIGURES 6 and 7 can have integral ribbed arms 349 thereofengaged by the rolled ends 346 as represented in FIGURE 7. A suitablegasket with a central opening and a pair of opposite slots toaccommodate the ribbed arms 349 can be preassembled to the bezel 348 andthis gasket is represented by a reference 348G having the slots 349G 3Substantially parallel to each other as indicated in FIG- URE 6.

The opposite walls 335 can have a pair of journaling recesses oropenings 335] relative to which a button means 356 is adapted to bepivotally mounted by means of opposite though axially alignedprojections 351 thereof. A free end of the button means 350 can bepivotally moved in a to and fro direction as represented in FIGURE 7 andthe switching device 330 is normally open so far as electricalcontacting is concerned. Movement of the button means 350 into oppositepivotal positions can effect intermittent up or down cycling of a powerwindow unit of a vehicle in a well-known manner. A pair of elbowshapedspring means 352 shown in views of FIGURES 1, 2, 4 and 6 can accomplishcentering or spring-urged return to neutral or open positioning of theswitching button 350. The centering spring means 352 can include alocking barb or tang 353 adapted to engage a suitable recess of theopposite walls 36 respectively and a slot substantially parallel to thewalls 336 can be provided to accommodate and receive one of thesubstantially flat opposite ends of each of the spring means 352. Thus,a free end of each of the spring means 352 can engage the button means351) as shown in FIGURE 2.

The button means 350 can include a cover portion 354 which fits snuglyover a substantially triangular-shaped upper end of the button means350, and which can include displaceable end tabs 355 suitably bentinwardly toward each other for holding the cover means 354 in place onthe button means 350. This cover means 354 can be made of a decorativeplastic material and serves a useful purpose in concealing a pair oftransverse slots or undercuts substantially parallel to each other asrepresented by reference numeral 356 in FIGURE 5. These slots 356 permitinward deflection of the journaling projections 351 for pivotalengagement thereof as to the recesses or journaling openings in theopposite walls 335. Also the button means 350 is made to includeopposite pairs of grooves 357 as shown in FIGURES 3 and such thatprojections or lugs 358 of a central main contact with intermediatestops 359 can be integrally part of a main U-shaped body portion 360 ofthis contact which is resiliently biased by a spring means 361 shown inFIGURE 5. This main center U-shaped contact means 360 is adapted toengage a centrally located feed or energizing contact having threeintegrally joined curved parts 361, 362 and 363 as can be seen in viewsof FIGURES 2 and 4. Similarly, predetermined flat wiring harnessconductors can be attached to a pair of up and down contact means 364located laterally in alignment with the curved parts 361 and 363respectively. Thus, the center or main contact means 360 can effect abridging between the feed contact means having a central or neutralposition 362 recessed to hold the button means in open position whilealso having recessed opposite curved parts 361 and 362 remote thoughintegrally joined relative to each other for bridging as to energizationto either of the up and down contact means 364. Each of the contactmeans 364 has a substantially J-shaped contacting surface at leastpartially complementary to the curved parts 361 and 363 of the centralfeed contact means.

The main U-shaped contact means 360 is a bus-bartype structurespringloaded into a recess of the button means 350 such that the fourtabs 358 thereof can snap into cutouts or slots 357 of the button means.The button means 350 can be snapped into the main body portion structureby engagement of the pivotal projections 351 displaceable laterallytoward each other due to provision of the slots or cutouts 356. Theseslots define a pair of integral insulating resiliently deflectable armson the outer sides of which the pivotal projections 351 are provided.The main body portion carries the main feed contact means including thethree curved parts 361, 362 and 363 which form raised surfaces so as toimpart a snap and wiping action to the switching device. The switchingbody portion 331 can include a partition or transverse portion .4 366 towhich the contact means can be suitably secured such as by bending oftabs 367 integral with each of the contact means 364. This partition 366can also have raised surfaces to coincide with the three curved parts361, 362 and 363 of the central feed contact means. When the buttonmeans 350 is manually displaced or tilted, the bus-bartype contact means360 will be resiliently deflected over the surface of the feed contactmeans so as to effect bridging of the up or down circuit contact means364 in each of opposite directions, thus closing the electrical circuitwith a wiping action. The bus-bar contact means 360 is always inengagement with the surface of the main feed contact means and theleaf-type spring means 352 located on opposite end walls 336 of the maincontact body portion will center and resiliently force the button meansas well as the bus-bar contact means 360 carried thereby back to open orcentral positioning when manual force is withdrawn from the button means350.

Sequence of operation for installing the switching device into a trimpad panel such as 347 on a door of a vehicle can include first aninsertion of a plastic hole liner means 340 into an opening or holepunched into the trim pad from a passenger compartment side thereof.This plastic hole liner 340 is held in place by the metal retaining clipmeans 343 which can be assembled from a rear side of the trim pad. Theswitch assembly or device with fiat wiring harness means attachedthereto is then snapped into the plastic hole liner 340 from thebackside and the hole liner has looking arms molded integrally therewithto hold the switch body securely in anchored position therewith. Adecorative cast metal of vapor-finished plastic bezel is then snappedinto the hole liner 340 from the front side of the trim pad and thisbezel 348 is held securely in place by tension arms 345346 on theretaining clip 343.

The bezel 348, button contact assembly and leaf springs can be removedfrom the front side of the trim pad for service without removing thetrim pad.

While the embodiments of the present invention as herein disclosedconstitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that other formsmight be adopted.

What is claimed is as follows:

A window lift switch and assembly for mounting upon an automotive trimpanel comprising, a main body portion of insulating material includingopposite pairs of substantially symmetrical wall members forming acavity and an integral and laterally projecting extension foraccommodating a fiat rectangular wiring harness, an outwardly flaredshoulder on each of two opposite said wall members, at least twostationary contact members located within said cavity, a button memberof insulating material pivotally disposed within said cavity between apair of said wall members, a substantially U-shaped projecting contactportion carried by said button member and located to permit wipingcontact with each of said stationary contact members, a trim pad holeliner member having opposite pairs of wall members forming an openingshaped to snugly accommodate said main body portion and a pair ofopposing J-shaped arms located to accommodate a respective one of saidshoulders, a metal retaining clip member having a central opening shapedto accommodate said trim pad hole liner member, notched tabs projectinginwardly from each corner of said opening and disposed to engagerespective corners of said trim pad hole liner member and a pair ofdeflectable projections and a bezel member having a central openingwhich accommodates said button member and serrated mounting lugsarranged to engage said deflectable projections upon said retaining clipmember whereby, upon assembly, said trim pad hole liner member issecured in place by said inwardly extending tabs upon said retainingclip member, said main body portion is retained by said shouldersthereof engaging said J-shaped arms of said trim pad hole liner memberand said bezel member is secured in place by said serrated mounting lugsengaging said deflectable projections of said retaining clip member.

(References on following page) References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTSParsons 200-168 Woodward 200-159 Koenig 200-153 Elliott 200-153 Roeser200-67 Elliott 200-6 Hutt 200-159 Mason.

NeWcomb 200-166 Colautti 200-6 Woofter 200-16 Thompson et a1. 174-53Nalette et a1 200-110 Zanichkowsky 200-67 Spicer 200-16 Johnson 200-6 XStearns et a1. 174-72 Winkhaus: 6-60.

5/1962 Gluck 339-103 11/1962 Prohaska et a1. ZOO-67.7 X 11/1964 Campbell200-16 12/1964 Crimmins et al 339-176 1/ 1965 Carling 174-59 FOREIGNPATENTS 6/ 1933 Germany.

4/1941 Great Britain.

2/ 1957 Italy.

7 OTHER REFERENCES German application No. 1,082,649, pub.

Flexprint Wiring, Handbook of Design Information,

Sanders Associates, Inc., 1958, p. 10.

ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner.

K. H. CLAFFY, D. SMITH, Assistant Examiners.

